From Siesta to NIE: A Survival Guide for Newly-Minted Spaniards
- Anastasia Maslo
- Oct 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Congratulations! You've conquered the «Startup Visa Quest» and are now enjoying life in sunny Spain. But...
Where to live?
How to enroll your kids in school?
Where to get your NIE?
And how to blend into the local lifestyle?
We've prepared for you
THE 2024 GUIDE TO SETTLING IN SPAIN
Operation «Housing»: Renting vs. Buying |
Rent: We launch Idealista, Fotocasa, Habitaclia and analyze the market. The average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Madrid is €1200-1800, in Barcelona - €1100-1700. Don't forget about the deposit (1-2 months) and prepayment.
Barcelona:
Prestigious: Eixample (from €1800), Gracia (from €1500), Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (from €2000). Example: on Idealista you can find a 2-bedroom apartment in Eixample with designer renovation for €2300 per month.
Budget: El Raval (from €900), El Gótico (from €1000), Sants-Montjuïc (from €800). Example: a studio in El Raval near the metro - €1100 on Fotocasa.
Madrid:
Elite: Salamanca (from €2000), Chamberí (from €1700), Retiro (from €1800). Example: 3-bedroom apartment in Salamanca with terrace and park view - €3500 on Habitaclia.
Available: Malasaña (from €1000), Chueca (from €1200), Lavapiés (from €800), Carabanchel (from €700). Example: loft in Malasaña with high ceilings - €1400 on Idealista.
Buying: The average cost per square meter in Madrid is €4000-6000, in Barcelona €3500-5500. Example: a small apartment in the center of Valencia (60 m²) will cost about €100,000. To buy, you need an NIE, a Spanish bank account and a lawyer.
NIE: you can't go anywhere without it |
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is your identification number in Spain. You can obtain it at the Oficina de Extranjería by appointment (online or by phone). Example: in Barcelona, the NIE can be obtained through the website of the Sede Electrónica de la Administración Pública. And our team will also help you along the way :)
Children's education: kindergarten and school |
Public: free, but Spanish is required. Enrollment is in the spring. Example: In Madrid, enrollment for public schools is through the comunidad.madrid portal in April-May.
Private: fee-based (from €400 to €1500 per month), more flexible programs, English instruction available. Examples: British School of Barcelona (€1200-1500 per month), Colegio Alemán de Madrid (€800-1200 per month).
Kindergartens (guarderías): for children from 0 to 3 years old. Public from €100 to €300 per month, private from €300 to €800. Example: a private kindergarten Kids&Us in Valencia with a bilingual program costs €500 per month.
Lifehack: Explore expat forums (like Expat.com) - there are tons of reviews of schools and daycare centers.
¡Hablamos español! Learn the language |
Courses: Instituto Cervantes (from €200 per level), language schools (Enforex, International House, from €150 per month), online platforms (Babbel, Duolingo, from €10 per month). Example: the famous Duolingo app, and the Spanish language school Sinlight.
Lifehack: Watch Spanish movies and TV series with subtitles, read books, listen to podcasts, and communicate with native speakers.
Medicine: public or private? |
Public: free TSI (tarjeta sanitaria individual), but there are waiting lists. Example: it can take days or weeks to get an appointment with a general practitioner at a public clinic.
Private: paid (consultation from €50), but faster and more comfortable. Insurance - from €30 per month. Example: our studio is an official broker of AXA insurance company in Spain. We will always help :)
Finance: choosing a bank |
You can open an account in Banco Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell. NIE and passport are required.
Lifehack: compare service tariffs, fees for transfers, cash withdrawals and card issuance.
Transportation: How to get around the city and the country |
Public transportation: metro, buses, streetcars. Fares start from €1.50. There are passes (abono transporte) - from €55 per month. Example: in Barcelona, a single pass T-usual for all modes of transportation costs €40 per month.
Car: to buy a car you need NIE and Spanish driver's license (you can exchange the Russian one within 6 months). Example: a used car in good condition can be found on Coches.net, Milanuncios from €5000.
Lifehack: use carsharing (Share Now, Zity, Wible) or bike rentals (Bicing in Barcelona, Bicimad in Madrid). For intercity travel, BlaBlaCar and Renfe trains are convenient.
Cultural Code: Getting in touch with Spanish life |
Siesta: from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., many stores and establishments are closed. Plan your day with this in mind.
Communication: Spaniards are sociable and emotional. Be prepared for lively communication, gestures and expression.
Food: Spanish cuisine is a feast of flavor! Be sure to try paella, tapas, jamon.
Example: in Barcelona, the El Xampanyet bar offers an excellent selection of tapas.
Lifehack: Learn Spanish to better understand the culture and communicate with the locals. Attend local fiestas and festivals to immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
Helpful Resources |
Expat forums: Expat.com, The Local - here you can find answers to many questions and talk to those who have already moved.
Facebook groups: «Russians in Spain», «Expats in Barcelona» - here you can find compatriots and get advice.
Official websites: websites of city administrations, embassies, consulates.
Moving to a new country is always a challenge. But with planning, a positive attitude and our advice, you can quickly adapt to Spain and start a new chapter of your life!
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